Manager, Tooling Operations

Simpson Strong-Tie is a leader in engineered structural connectors, software, and solutions for the building industry. We maintain a reputation as a trusted manufacturer, partner, and corporate citizen committed to our customers and employees.

Our founder, Barc Simpson established 9 Principles of Business we live out as company values and have made Simpson Strong-Tie an inspiring place to work since 1956. Our team of talented people are dedicated to our shared mission: to provide solutions that help people design and build safer, stronger structures.

Learn about our company culture directly from our team.

YOU

The New Tooling Operations Manager provides leadership and direction for both the Tool & Die Design Supervisor and the Tool & Die Shop Supervisor, overseeing the end-to-end process of new tooling-from concept and design through build, tryout, release, and ongoing improvement. This role manages workflow, production scheduling, material procurement, capacity planning, and outsourcing decisions to ensure that tooling supports production needs and meets all new product launch timelines.

The New Tooling Operations Manager collaborates closely with Engineering, Product Management, and Operations to ensure tooling is safe, cost-effective, and aligned with business and customer expectations.

WHAT YOU'LL BE DOING
(% of Time)

Lead and Develop High-Performing Teams (30%)

• Directly manage the Tool & Die Design Supervisor and Tool & Die Shop Supervisor.
• Develop, coach, and evaluate team members while fostering collaboration between design and the tool room.
• Promote a culture of safety, quality, accountability, and continuous improvement.

Capacity & Resource Planning and Cross-Functional Collaboration (25%)

• Partner with Engineering, Product Management and Production teams to align tooling schedules with NPD phases, prototypes, and pilot builds.
• Manage labor allocation, machine capacity, and tool room utilization for all new tooling work.
• Forecast tooling workloads and prepare resource plans to support growth, seasonal demand, and major product launches.
• Implement process improvements to increase throughput and eliminate bottlenecks.
• Collaborate with Operations and Supply Chain on sourcing, scheduling, and material strategies.
• Support troubleshooting and root-cause analysis for tooling issues affecting try outs, pilot runs, or production.

New Tooling Design & Engineering (20%)

• Oversee die design, modeling, and detailing using AutoCAD, Solid Works, or equivalent platforms.
• Review and approve new tooling designs to ensure functionality, manufacturability, and long-term durability.
• Partner with Engineering and Product Management to provide tooling input during concept and feasibility reviews for new products as well as ensuring design aligns with manufacturing capabilities and best practices

Tool Room & Tooling Build Operations (15%)

• Manage the daily workflow for new tooling builds, modifications, and tryouts.
• Oversee production scheduling for both design and shop resources to meet project deadlines.
• Ensure timely and accurate purchase of materials, components, and supplies needed for tool builds.
• Determine when to outsource tooling work based on cost, lead time, capacity, and capability.

Continuous Improvement (10%)

• Establish and improve tooling design standards, documentation practices, and build processes.
• Identify opportunities for technology upgrades, process automation, and improved efficiency.
• Lead efforts to improve tool room organization, 5S practices, safety, and preventive maintenance.

DESIRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

If you can do everything listed above, you've got what it takes. Perhaps some of the following would be helpful too:

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field preferred; equivalent experience considered.
• 7+ years of experience in tooling engineering, tool & die design, or tool room leadership.
• Minimum of 5 years in a manufacturing environment with an understanding of progressive stamping dies, tooling processes, design principles and manufacturing methods.
• Minimum of 5 years in a leadership role managing teams and driving results.

Leadership & Team Development:

• Proven ability to lead, coach, and mentor diverse teams, fostering a culture of accountability, safety, and continuous improvement.
• Skilled in performance management, goal setting, and employee development, with a focus on empowering individuals to own their growth and contributions.
• Demonstrated success in driving change, prioritizing initiatives, and aligning team efforts with organizational goals.

Technical & Analytical

Skills:

• Proficient in 2D/3D CAD software and capable of interpreting complex tooling and product drawings. Proficienct in AutoCAD, Solid Works, or similar mechanical design software.
• Strong mathematical aptitude, including basic algebra and geometry, with the ability to perform precise measurements using micrometers, calipers, tape measures (to 1/32"), and combination squares (to
  1).
• Comfortable using hand and power tools, as well as industrial…